Recorded at a time when Dame Kiri's voice was at its most glorious, this 1981 collection features two Puccini arias used in the Merchant–Ivory film Room with a View ("Chi il bel sogno di Doretta" from La rondine and "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi). Both exquisite arias, they are sung exquisitely by the New Zealand–born, half-Maori lyric soprano. Other highlights include Tosca's passionate credo "Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore"; Elisabetta's lament "Tu che le vanita" from Verdi's Don Carlo, a tour de force aria from his La traviata ("È strano! … ah, fors' è lui"), Musetta's lilting and seductive song from La bohème ("Quando me'n vo soletta per la via"), and Cio-Cio San's paean of hope from Madama Butterfly ("Un bel dì vedremo").

"It is a pleasure to recommend this programme of Verdi and Puccini arias without reservation. The beautiful voice has never sounded better and the clear well-balanced recording allows us to hear the expressive pointing of meaning and characterization to perfection."—Gramophone

"A glamorous and regally imperturbable presence with a rich voice, she was chosen to sing at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles."—Britannica Concise Encyclopedia